The Hiking / Backpacking Thread

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by Joborule

Would doing the Larch Valley trail next Sunday (Sept 11) be too early in seeing a good exposure of the autumn colours? Ideally I would like to go later on in the month but do to scheduling conflicts, that date is what works best before it's too late into October.

IIRC group size / bear restriction in effect until the 15th or later. Something to consider.

Went up Rockbound late last Sept. Colours were changing, skiff of frost/snow was on everything. Eerie clouds rolled in, got some phenomenal pics that trip.

[Chingyul]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

IIRC group size / bear restriction in effect until the 15th or later. Something to consider.

Went up Rockbound late last Sept. Colours were changing, skiff of frost/snow was on everything. Eerie clouds rolled in, got some phenomenal pics that trip.

No group size restrictions when we went last weekend (Aug 27). Best to give them a call an check, but if' you're only go up to Larch Valley, then it'll be packed full of people.

[stampsx2]

Can anybody recommend anything for shoes that don't slip on wet rock or something you can spray on the soles of your shoes that help with grip/stickiness. Anything proven or would recommend? Sucks to get a little bit of rain or snow and shut down hiking season because of it. Crampons, microspikes, yaktrax, none of these help on wet rock.

Is there such a thing? There has to be something out there?

[GGG]

Stealth rubber or really any climbing rubber. So look for approach shoes

5.10 stuff works really well or scarpa

I've used the canyoneers in Utah Canyon on wet rock haven't used their hiking shoes though

http://www.fiveten.com/us/outdoor

[TomLeeMC]

Has anyone hiked/climbed Mount Cline? Just looking for some info on climbing the notches? Buddy and I are heading in Thursday night and hoping to summit Friday, will be my first 11000 footer and I'm pretty pumped.

[Torture]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

Two attempts. One thwarted by forest fires. The second by a massive September snow storm. Skyline is basically my Everest now. Good luck.

Well, we made it, but it was very cold and wet. Cleared up a bit on the notch then walked the ridge in a hail storm. Fun!

[Nyah]

Originally Posted by Torture

Well, we made it, but it was very cold and wet. Cleared up a bit on the notch then walked the ridge in a hail storm. Fun!

How many days did you do it over & what sites did you stay at?

[OMG!WTF!]

We had a gorgeous Dicaprio in the mountains yesterday. 18 degrees!

[Magnum PEI]

Bump.
Been doing a few short hikes near Bragg Creek, still looks like there's quite a bit of snow further west, even Prairie Mountain.
Basically jogged up and down Mclean Hill on Friday, which had surprisingly good views. Didnt see any dirtbikers on the trail, just some spent shotgun casings here and there, which I dont think is allowed.

[Redliner]

Originally Posted by Magnum PEI

Bump.
Been doing a few short hikes near Bragg Creek, still looks like there's quite a bit of snow further west, even Prairie Mountain.
Basically jogged up and down Mclean Hill on Friday, which had surprisingly good views. Didnt see any dirtbikers on the trail, just some spent shotgun casings here and there, which I dont think is allowed.

I think that as long as you are in the PLUZ and not the Provincial Recreation Area, shooting guns in Maclean Creek is perfectly legal as long as you are an appropriate distance away from the road.

There is still a crap ton of snow up high. Several of the mountains around Canmore are finally coming into season (Heart, Door Jamb/Loder, etc...I even saw a trip report from Mt. Lawrence Grassi the other day that looked decent) but it's going to be a late spring for getting into the high country. A friend and I did Lakeview Ridge down in Waterton 3 weeks ago and I was amazed at the amount of white stuff still up there.

[GGG]

If you are planning on backpacking trips this year book quickly as it appears to be filling up much faster (stupid free park passes). Jasper has all dates open now and Banff is booking into August now. I got Skoki, the Brazeau loop and a day trip to Ohara lined up this year.

[uofaflamesfan]

Can anyone recommend a good day hike for this weekend near Canmore/Banff?

Got some friends visiting from the states, who are very outdoorsy and would like to go on a decent hike.

Looking at trail reports, looks like there is still a ton of snow everywhere

[powderjunkie]

^ Haven't been through in a few weeks, but EEOR is probably in decent shape (likely still some snow to make navigating a cliff band near the top a bit more challenging - proper footwear required, poles/microspikes might be nice), and a nice alternative to the lemming line that is Ha Ling.

I've never done it early/late season, but I would think something like WindTower would be in good shape, too.

Both are relentless, but straightforward climbs with great view at top. If you want something more moderate, maybe Jura Creek? I can't think of any nice, forested trails that would be good yet. Wind Ridge/Pigeon Mountain area might have more trees on the way up, but probably still some nasty snow patches.

[Weitz]

Some friends did Yamnuska on the weekend and I didn't see any snow in the pics IIRC. Could change after today though.

[steve9981]

Nm

[OMG!WTF!]

Originally Posted by steve9981

Anyone able to speak on the difficulty of Opal Ridge South? Plan on doing it later this week and just want to make sure it isn't too steep for out of province friends. They hike quite a bit in BC but just want to make sure this won't be too severe.

Doesn't that start beyond the highway closure? The Opal Ridge I did was pretty steep for sure. But it also started just south of the kananaskis lake turn off.

[Magnum PEI]

It's before the gate. Never done it myself but my guide book says it's a scramble with no exposure FWIW.

[GGG]

Originally Posted by steve9981

Anyone able to speak on the difficulty of Opal Ridge South? Plan on doing it later this week and just want to make sure it isn't too steep for out of province friends. They hike quite a bit in BC but just want to make sure this won't be too severe.

If I remember correctly it's in that Ha Ling /EEOR category. Steep, but safe. However more difficult route finding and a less developed trail. Easy scramble rather than difficult hike.

[MoneyGuy]

What fitness level is required for Berg Lake?

[temple5]

I am embarrassed how much my new hiking boots cost

But after a few light day hikes I can safely say that these Zamberlan boots are the best boot I have ever owned (also the most expensive by about double).